Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Fitness and Power-lifting Federation has named a five-member team for next month’s United World Fitness Federation (UWFF) World Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from August 21-23.
Seasoned body-builder Godwin Mhaka will captain the team, which also includes female athlete Spiwe Munyaka. The other team members are Waseem Kurawley, Marnix Musundire, and Gift Portipher.
This will be Mhaka’s third international power-lifting event, and his experience is set to come in handy for the Southern African nation.
He debuted in Dubai in April last year, before winning gold in Bangkok, Thailand.
“We have begun preparations for this year’s edition of the UWFF Championship, and everyone is working hard,” Mhaka said.
“The team has a lot of experienced athletes, and the preparations are going on smoothly.
“We have no injury worries, and everything is taking shape.
“There will be a lot of competition, and this is an elite event, which needs focus and determination. By next month August, we will be ready to smash our personal bests.
“We are pushing each other, and we learned from our past experience.”
Over 200 athletes from 50 nations are expected at the elite event.
However, Mhaka is concerned about their lack of resources, which have pegged back progress.
Mhaka, a multiple title holder, said funding remains the biggest hurdle.
“Sponsorship remains a major challenge,” he said.
“I am grateful to Sanja Fitness Centre, Hon Mupereri, and Global Metal Investments for their support, but I need more partners to fuel this mission and lift Zimbabwe’s flag higher.”
Mhaka’s trophy cabinet includes Mr Ironman Zimbabwe, Mr Zimbabwe, Mr Ironman Botswana, the 2017 Mr Pretoria Classics, and gold in the World Fitness Federation’s Mr Universe Bermuda Beach Model category in Las Vegas, in the United States of America.
Zimbabwe Team:
Godwin Mhaka, Waseem Kurawley, Marnix Musundire, Gift Portipher, Spiwe Munyaka
